EP1076667A1

EP1076667A1 - Preparation of co-and terpolymers of p-hydroxystyrene and alkyl acrylates

Info

Publication number: EP1076667A1
Application number: EP99911412A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michael T. Sheehan; James R. Sounik
Original assignee: TriQuest LP
Current assignee: TriQuest LP
Priority date: 1998-05-05
Filing date: 1999-03-15
Publication date: 2001-02-21
Anticipated expiration: 2019-03-15
Also published as: HK1033467A1; WO1999057163A1; ATE262542T1; DE69915819T2; EP1076667B1; DE69915819D1; AU3005899A

Abstract

A novel one-pot cost efficient process for the preparation of co- and terpolymers of p-hydroxystyrene or substituted p-hydroxystyrene and alkyl acrylates is disclosed and claimed. The process involves polymerization of esters of p-hydroxystyrene (or its substituted analogs), alkyl acrylate monomers and one or more of ethylenically unsaturated monomers in an alcoholic solvent in the presence of a free radical initiator. Subsequent hydrolysis of so formed polymer under transesterification conditions using catalytic amounts of base catalyst results in co- and/or terpolymers of p-hydroxystyrene without cleavage of the alkyl ester in the acrylate repeat unit. Preferred embodiments include copolymer of p-hydroxytyrene and tert-butyl acrylate and terpolymer of p-hydroxystyrene, tert-butyl acrylate and styrene. These polymers have a wide variety of applications including as photoresists in microelectronics industry.

Description

PREPARATION OF CO- AND TERPOLYMERS OF P-HYDROXYSTYRENE AND ALKYL ACRYLATES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the selective hydrolysis of co- and ter-polymers of p-acetoxystyrene (ASM) and alkyl acrylates which are useful in photoresists and optical applications.

Description of the Prior Art

There is a desire in the industry for higher circuit density in microelectronic devices which are made using lithographic techniques. One method of increasing the number of components per chip is to decrease the minimum feature size on the chip, which requires higher lithographic resolutions. The use of shorter wavelength radiation (e.g., deep UV e.g. 190 to 315 am) than the currently employed mid-UV spectral range (e.g. 350 am to 450 am) offers the potential for higher resolution. However, with deep UV radiation, fewer photons are transferred for the same energy dose and higher exposure doses are required to achieve the same desired photochemical response. Further, current lithographic tools have greatly attenuated output in the deep UV spectral region.

In order to improve sensitivity, several acid catalyzed chemically amplified resist compositions have been developed such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,491,628 (Jan. 1, 1985) and Nalamasu et al, "An Overview of Resist Processing for Deep UV Lithography", J. Photopolymer Sci. Technol. 4, 299 (1991). The resist compositions generally comprise a photosensitive acid generator and an acid sensitive polymer. The polymer has acid sensitive side chain (pendant) groups which are bonded to the polymer backbone and are reactive towards a proton. Upon imagewise exposure to radiation, the photoacid generator produces a proton. The resist film is heated and, the proton causes catalytic cleavage of the pendant group from the

-l- polymer backbone. The proton is not consumed in the cleavage reaction and catalyzes additional cleavage reactions thereby chemically amplifying the photochemical response of the resist. The cleaved polymer is soluble in polar developers such as alcohol and aqueous base while the unexposed polymer is soluble in nonpolar organic solvents such as anisole. Thus the resist can produce positive or negative images of the mask depending of the selection of the developer solvent.

Although chemically amplified resist compositions generally have suitable lithographic sensitivity, in certain applications, their performance can be improved by (i) increasing their thermal stability in terms of thermal decomposition and plastic flow and (ii) increasing their stability in the presence of airborne chemical contaminants. For example, in some semiconductor manufacturing processes, post image development temperatures (e.g. etching, implantation etc.) can reach 200°C. Brunsvold et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,939,070 (issued Jul. 3, 1990) and 4,931,379 (issued Jun. 5, 1990) disclose chemically amplified, acid sensitive resist compositions having increased thermal stability in the post image development stage. Brunsvold's resist compositions form a hydrogen bonding network after cleavage of the acid sensitive side chain group to increase the thermal stability of the polymer. Brunsvold avoids hydrogen bonding moieties prior to the cleavage reaction because such hydrogen bonding is known to unacceptably destabilize the acid sensitive side chain. Although Brunsvold resists have suitable thermal stability, they also have lower sensitivity and therefore are unsuitable in certain applications.

With respect to chemical contamination, MacDonald et al. SPIE 14662. (1991) reported that due to the catalytic nature of the imaging mechanisms, chemically amplified resist systems are sensitive toward minute amounts of airborne chemical contaminants such as basic organic substances. These substances degrade the resulting developed image in the film and cause a loss of the linewidth control of the developed image. This problem is exaggerated in a manufacturing process where there is an extended and variable period of time between applying the film to the substrate and development of the image. In order to protect the resist from such airborne contaminants, the air surrounding the coated film is carefully filtered to remove such substances. Alternatively, the resist film is overcoated with a protective polymer layer. However, these are cumbersome processes.

Therefore, there was a need in the art for an acid sensitive, chemically amplified photoresist composition having high thermal stability and stability in the presence of airborne chemical contaminants for use in semiconductor manufacturing. Apparently, this was accomplished in the invention outlined in U.S. 5,625,020 which relates to a photosensitive resist composition comprising (i) a photosensitive acid generator and (ii) a polymer comprising hydroxystyrene and acrylate, methacrylate or a mixture of acrylate and methacrylate. The resist has high lithographic sensitivity and high thermal stability. The resist also exhibits surprising stability in the presence of airborne chemical contaminants. However, one of the problems with this composition was that the process of preparing the polymer as outlined in column 3, lines 10-30 and in Example 1 (of U.S. 5,625,020) results in poor conversion rates and chemical cleavage of some groups in the repeat units. Thus, one of the objects of the present invention is an improved process for preparing the polymers used in the photoresist compositions.

Prior Art

The following references are disclosed as general background information.

1. U.S. 4,898,916 discloses a process for the preparation of poly(vinylphenol) from poly(acetoxystyrene by acid catalyzed transesterification.

2. U.S. 5,239,015 discloses a process for preparing low optical density polymers and co-polymers for photoresists and optical applications.

3. U.S. 5,625,007 discloses a process for making low optical polymers and co-polymers for photoresists and optical applications.

4. U.S. 5,625,020 discloses a process for making a photoresist composition containing a photosensitive acid generator and a polymer comprising the reaction product of hydroxystyrene with acrylate, methacrylate or a mixture of acrylate and methacrylate.

-3- Other patents of interest are U.S. 4,679,843; U.S. 4,822,862; U.S. 4,912,173; and U.S. 4,962,147.

All of the references described herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a novel, one-pot, cost efficient process for the preparation of co- and terpolymers of p-hydroxystyrene or substituted p- hydroxystyrene and alkyl acrylates. The process involves polymerization of esters of p-hydroxystyrene (or its substituted analogs), alkyl acrylate monomers and one or more of ethy lenically unsaturated monomers in an alcoholic solvent in the presence of a free radical initiator. Subsequent hydrolysis of so formed polymer under transesterification conditions using a catalytic amounts of base catalyst results in co- and/or terpolymers of p-hydroxystyrene without cleavage of the alkyl ester in the acrylate repeat unit. Preferred embodiments include copolymers of p-hydroxystyrene, tert-butyl acrylate and terpolymer of p-hydroxystyrene, tert-butyl acrylate and styrene. These polymers have a wide variety of applications including as photoresists in microelectronics industry.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention thus provides, in part, a novel process for producing polymers which are used in photoresist compositions. The process is an improvement over the prior art and is quite efficient. Specifically, this invention provides a process for the preparation of a polymer of I,

I; an acrylate monomer having the formula II,

-4- R³

.^y? rs^ ^R' ~ ° II; and one or more ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable monomers selected from the group consisting of styrene, 4-methylstyrene, maleic anhydride, dialkyl maleate, dialkyl fumarate and vinyl chloride, wherein alkyl is having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, comprising the steps of: a) subjecting a monomer of formula III,

πi; said monomer II, and one or more of said copolymerizable monomers to suitable polymerization conditions in an alcoholic solvent and in the presence of a free radical initiator at suitable temperature for a sufficient period of time to produce a polymer of corresponding composition; b) subjecting said polymer from step a) to transesterification conditions in said alcoholic solvent in the presence, of catalytic amounts of a base catalyst at suitable temperature such that the transesterified by-product ester formed is continuously removed from the reaction mixture to form the polymer of I, II, and said copolymerizable monomer; c) passing said polymer solution in said alcoholic solvent from step b) through an ion-exchange bed to remove said base catalyst; and d) isolating said polymer from step c) either by precipitation from said alcoholic solvent or by removal of said alcoholic solvent by evaporation; wherein: i) R¹ and R² are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of:

-5- hydrogen; fluorine, chlorine or bromine; alkyl or fluoroalkyl group having the formula C„H F where n is an integer from 1 to 4, x and y are integers from 0 to 2n+l , and the sum of x and y is

2n+l ; and phenyl or tolyl; ii) R³ is selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen; and methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl or ter-butyl; iii) R⁴ is either iso-propyl or ter-butyl; and iv) R⁵ is either methyl or ethyl.

In a preferred embodiment the reaction mixture may also comprise an additional co-solvent. The co-solvent is selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrofuran, methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, and 1 ,4-dioxane.

The alcoholic solvent is an alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, tert-butanol, and combinations thereof. The amount of solvent (or co-solvent) used is not critical and can be any amount which accomplishes the desired end result.

The free radical initiator may be any initiator which achieves the desired end result. The initiator may be selected from the group consisting of 2,2'- azobis(2,4-dimethylpentanenitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropanenitrile), 2,2'- azobis(2-methylbutanenitrile), l,r-azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile), t-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate. t-butyl peroxypivalate, t-amyl peroxypivalate, diisononanoyl peroxide, decanoyl peroxide, succinic acid peroxide, di(n-propyl) peroxydicarbonate, dι(sec-butyl) peroxydicarbonate, di(2-ethylhexyl) peroxydicarbonate, t-butylperoxyneodecanoate, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(2-

-6- ethylhexanoylperoxy)hexane, t-amylperoxyneodecanoate, and combinations thereof.

As a preferred embodiment, the initiator is selected from the group consisting of 2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylpentanenitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropanenitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2-methylbutanenitrile), 1 ,1 '-azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile), t-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate, t-butyl peroxypivalate, t-amyl peroxypivalate, and combinations thereof.

The amount of initiator is any amount which accomplishes the desired end result. However, as a preferred embodiment, said initiator is present to about three mole percent based upon the total moles of all of said monomers I, II, and said copolymerizable monomers.

The polymerization conditions are not critical and can be any temperature and pressure which will produce the desired end result. In general, the temperatures are from about 30°C to about 100°C, preferably from about 40°C to about 100°C, and most preferably from about 45°C to about 90°C. The pressure may be atmospheric, sub-atmospheric or super-atmospheric. The polymerization time is not critical, but generally will take place over a period of at least one minute in order to produce a polymer of corresponding composition.

In step (b), in a transesterification, the polymer step (a) is subjected to said transesterification conditions in said alcoholic solvent in the presence of catalytic amounts of a base catalyst. The base catalyst is such that it will not substantially react with said alkyl acrylate monomer II, or with said co-polymerizable monomers. The base catalyst is either an alkalic metal hydroxide or an alkalic metal alkoxide. The base catalyst is selected from the group consisting of lithium hydroxide, lithium methoxide, lithium ethoxide, lithium isopropoxide. sodium hydroxide, sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, sodium isopropoxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium methoxide, potassium ethoxide, potassium isopropoxide, cesium hydroxide, cesium methoxide, cesium ethoxide, cesium isopropoxide, and combinations thereof.

The amount of base catalyst employed is from about 0.1 mole percent to about 2 mole percent based upon the atomic weight of the metal (e g. sodium) and the moles of monomer I present m said polymer.

In a preferred embodiment, the base catalyst is added in step (b) by dissolving it in said alcoholic solvent.

The temperature in step (b) is such that the transesteπfied by-product ester formed can be continually removed from the reaction mixture to form the polymer of I, II, and said copolymerizable monomer. Such temperatures can be from about 50°C to about 200°C. In a preferred embodiment, the transesterification reaction is carried out at reflux temperature of said alcoholic solvent.

In step (c), the ion exchange bed is an acidic ion exchange resin, preferably a strongly acidic cation exchange resm. An acidic ion exchange resm, such as sulfonated styrene/divmylbenzene cation exchange resin is utilized in the present process. Suitable acidic exchange resins are available from Rohm and Haas Company, e.g. AMBERLYST 15 acidic ion exchange resm. These amberlyst resins typically contain as much as 80,000 to 200,000 ppb of sodium and iron. Before being utilized in the process of the invention, the ion exchange resin must be treated with water and then a mineral acid solution (acidic resm) to reduce the metal ion level. When puπfying the polymer solution, it is important that the ion exchange resm is then rinsed with a solvent which is the same as, or at least compatible with, the polymer solution solvent. The procedure in step (c) may be similar to those procedures disclosed in U.S. 5,284,930 and U.S. 5,288,850.

-8- In step (d), the isolation may be accomplished by precipitation of said polymer from said reaction medium by adding said reaction medium to a non-solvent is selected from the group consisting of water, hexane, octane, petroleum ether, and combinations thereof.

As an example of the preparation of the terpolymer described above, there is provided a process for the preparation of a polymer of IV,

^

OH IV; an alkyl acrylate monomer having the formula II,

./ R⁴

II; and an ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable monomer selected from the group consisting of styrene, 4-methylstyrene, maleic anhydride, dialkyl maleate, dialkyl fumarate and vinyl chloride, wherein alkyl is having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, comprising the steps of: a) subjecting a monomer of formula V,

7^

O

CH,

V; along with said monomer II, and said copolymerizable monomer to suitable polymerization conditions in an alcoholic solvent and in the presence of a free radical initiator at suitable temperature for a sufficient period of time to produce a polymer of corresponding composition; b) subjecting said polymer from step a) to transesterification conditions in said alcoholic solvent in the presence of catalytic amounts of a base catalyst at reflux temperature of said alcoholic solvent such that the transesterified by-product acetate formed is continuously removed from the reaction mixture to form the polymer of IV, II, and said copolymerizable monomer; c) passing said polymer solution in said alcoholic solvent from step b) through an ion-exchange bed to remove said base catalyst; and d) isolating said polymer from step c) by precipitation from said alcoholic solvent; wherein: i) R³ is either hydrogen or methyl; and ii) R⁴ is either isopropyl or tert-butyl.

In this example, R³ is hydrogen or methyl and R⁴ is tert-butyl or iso-propyl. The initiator is selected from the group consisting of 2,2'-azobis(2,4- dimethylpentanenitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropanenitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2- methylbutanenitrile), l,l '-azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile), t-butyl peroxy-2- ethy Ihexano ate, t-butyl peroxypivalate, t-amyl peroxypivalate, and combinations thereof. The alcoholic solvent is an alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, tert-butanol, and combinations thereof. A preferred embodiment is where the alcoholic solvent is methanol. The base catalyst will not substantially react with said alkyl acrylate monomer II or with said copolymerizable monomers and is either alkali metal hydroxide or alkali metal alkoxide, and further is selected from the group consisting of lithium hydroxide, lithium methoxide, lithium ethoxide, lithium isopropoxide. sodium hydroxide, sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, sodium

-10- isopropoxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium methoxide, potassium ethoxide, potassium isopropoxide, cesium hydroxide, cesium methoxide, cesium ethoxide, cesium isopropoxide. and combinations thereof. As a preferred embodiment, the base catalyst is sodium methoxide and is present in an amount of about 0.1 mole percent to about 2 mole percent based upon the atomic weight of sodium and moles of monomer IV present in said polymer. Furthermore, the said base catalyst is added in step b) by dissolving it in said alcoholic solvent, and the precipitation of said polymer is accomplished by adding said reaction medium to a non-solvent which is selected from the group consisting of water, hexane, octane, petroleum ether, and combinations thereof. The preferred non-solvent is water. Thus in this example of the novel process, said polymer is a terpolymer of monomer IV, monomer II, and styrene.

In another facet of the present invention there is provided a process for the preparation of a polymer of IV,

IV; and an alkyl acrylate monomer having the formula II,

^R3^

_/ ^R4

II; comprising the steps of: a) subjecting monomer of formula V,

^■ 1 1 - <^

-CH,

° V; and said monomer II to suitable polymerization conditions in an alcoholic solvent and in the presence of a free radical initiator at suitable temperature for a sufficient period of time to produce a polymer of corresponding composition; b) subjecting said polymer from step a) to transesterification conditions in said alcoholic solvent in the presence of catalytic amounts of a base catalyst at reflux temperature of said alcoholic solvent such that the transesterified by-product acetate formed is continuously removed from the reaction mixture to form the polymer of IV and II; c) passing said polymer solution in said alcoholic solvent from step b) through an ion-exchange bed to remove said base catalyst; and d) isolating said polymer from step c) by precipitation from said alcoholic solvent; wherein: i) R^J is either hydrogen or methyl; and ii) R⁴ is either isopropyl or tert-butyl.

In this process for the preparation of a copolymer, the initiator is selected from the group consisting of 2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylpentanenitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2- methylpropanenitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2-methylbutanenitrile), 1,1 '- azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile), t-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate, t-butyl peroxypivalate. t-amyl peroxypivalate, and combinations thereof. The alcoholic solvent is an alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms selected from the group consisting of methanol. ethanol, isopropanol, tert-butanol, and combinations thereof. The base catalyst will not substantially react with said alkyl acrylate monomer II and is either

-12- alkali metal hydroxide or alkali metal alkoxide, selected from the group consisting of lithium hydroxide, lithium methoxide, lithium ethoxide, lithium isopropoxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, sodium isopropoxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium methoxide, potassium ethoxide, potassium isopropoxide, cesium hydroxide, cesium methoxide, cesium ethoxide, cesium isopropoxide, and combinations thereof. The base catalyst, e.g., can be sodium methoxide and is present in an amount of about 0.1 mole percent to about 2 mole percent based upon the atomic weight of the metal (e.g. sodium) and moles of monomer IV present in said polymer.

This invention is further illustrated by the following examples which are provided for illustration purposes and in no way limits the scope of the present invention.

Examples (General)

In the Examples that follow, the following abbreviations are used:

ASM - p-Acetoxystyrene monomer t-BPP - tert-butyl peroxypivalate

THF - Tetrahydrofuran

GPC - Gel permeation chromatography

GC - Gas chromatography

FTIR - Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

NMR - Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, usually of either proton, Η; and/or carbon 13, ^πC nuclei.

DSC - Differential scanning calorimetry

UV-Vis - Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy General Analytical Techniques Used for the Characterization: A variety of analytical techniques were used to characterize the co- and terpolymers of the present invention which included the following:

-13- NMR: 'H and ¹³C NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker 400 MHz spectrometer with 5 mm probes at 400 and 100 MHz, respectively.

GPC: GPC was performed on a Waters gel permeation chromatograph equipped with refractive index detection.

GC: GC analysis was performed on a Hewlett Packard Model 5890 series II gas chromatograph equipped with a DB-1 column.

FTIR: FTIR was recorded on a Mattson Genesis Series FTLR.

DSC: A Perkin Elmer 7700 DSC was used to determine the T_g (glass transition temperature) of the co- and terpolymers of this invention. The heating rate was maintained at 10°C/minute, generally, over a temperature range of 50°C to 400°C.

The flow rate of nitrogen or air is maintained at 20 mL/min.

UV-Vis of samples were taken using a Hewlett Packard Vectra 486/33 VL UV-Vis sp ectrophotometer

Example 1 A four-neck 500 mL glass round-bottom flask fitted with a chilled water reflux condenser, a thermowell with thermocouple, a nitrogen inlet and outlet, an overhead stirrer, and an external heating mantle was charged with a reaction mixture of 73.1 grams (0.44 moles) of ASM, 15.9 grams (0.15 moles) of styrene, and 13.4 grams (0.10 moles) of t-butyl acrylate with stirring. To this mixture was then added 117 grams of methanol and the entire reaction mixture was heated to 66°C over a period of one hour. At this time the polymerization was initiated by adding 11 grams (75% concentration; 7 mole percent based upon total number of moles of monomers) of t- BPP diluted in 11 grams of methanol. After one hour of polymerization, 0.66 grams of t-BPP diluted in 1 gram of methanol was added. At each hour, for the next 3 hours, 0.66 grams of t-BPP in 1 gram of methanol was added. After each addition, a sample of the polymer mixture was withdrawn from the reactor and analyzed for the unreacted monomers by capillary gas chromatography (GC). The polymerization reaction was continued for about a total period of 18 hours. At the end of this period, analysis of the final polymer mixture sample by capillary GC showed greater than

^■ 14- 98% by weight conversion of the monomers to polymer. The transesterification reaction of p-acetoxy groups to p-hydroxy groups was begun without cooling the reaction mixture; 0.9 grams of sodium methoxide dissolved in 4 grams of methanol was added to the reaction mixture (of this 0.4 grams of sodium methoxide was used to neutralize the acetic acid present in the ASM monomer and 0.5 grams to carry out the transesterification thus amounting to 2 mole percent of catalyst level). The reaction mixture was continued to reflux with concomitant removal of methanol/methyl acetate as distillate and fresh methanol was added to compensate for the distillate. The reaction mixture was allowed to react until the solution turned clear in about 4 hours at which time the reaction mixture was cooled, precipitated in deionized water, and the precipitated polymer was isolated by filtration. A ¹³C NMR analysis of the product indicated 86% conversion of the acetoxy groups to hydroxy groups. A 'H NMR analysis indicated that the t-butyl groups in the acrylate repeat units were intact and were not cleaved during the transesterification reaction.

Example 2 Example 1 was repeated in this Example 2 except that the transesterification reaction with sodium methoxide at 2 mole percent level was carried out for a period of about 18 hours under reflux. The by-product methyl acetate was continuously removed and requisite amounts of fresh methanol was added to compensate for methanol/methyl acetate distilled as in Example 1. Analysis of the final polymer product by ¹³C NMR indicated quantitative conversion of p-acetoxy groups to p-hydroxy groups and t-butyl groups of the acrylate repeat units were not cleaved as confirmed by 'H NMR analysis.

-15- Example 3 Example 1 was repeated in this Example 3 with the exception that the amount of sodium methoxide used in the transesterification step was 0.43 grams as 25 weight percent solution in methanol. Of this amount 0.38 grams of sodium methoxide was used to neutralize acetic acid present in the ASM monomer. The remainder, 0.05 grams of sodium methoxide was used as the catalyst for transesterification, which amounted to 0.2 mole percent catalyst level. The transesterification reaction was carried out for a period of about of 52 hours under reflux. The solution was cloudy and the polymer precipitated when fresh methanol was added indicating that the transesterification reaction was very slow at this catalyst level.

Example 4 Example 1 was repeated in this Example 4 with the exception that 1.4 grams of sodium methoxide was employed in the transesterification step, which amounted to four mole percent catalyst level after accounting for 0.38 grams of sodium methoxide needed to neutralize the acetic acid present in ASM. In addition, 15 grams of THF was charged into the reaction mixture in the transesterification step in order to improve the solubility of the polymer in methanol. After five and a half hours of refluxing in methanol, the polymer solution was completely clear at which time the reaction mixture was cooled. A portion of the polymer solution was precipitated in water and analyzed by NMR, which indicated quantitative conversion of p-acetoxy groups to p-hydroxy groups and the t-butyl groups were not cleaved. The remainder portion of the polymer solution was passed through an Amberlyst 15 ion exchange bed (2 inch diameter x 6 inch long), precipitated in deionized water, filtered and washed with deionized water. The white polymeric product was dried under vacuum at 65°C. The GPC analysis of the polymer showed weight-average molecular weight to be 9,700 and polydispersity of 2.1. The monomer composition of the polymer as determined by NMR was as follows: 61 mole% p-hydroxystyrene; 25 mole percent styrene; and 14 mole percent t-butyl acrylate.

-16- Example 5

Example 1 was repeated in Example 5 except that the reaction was carried out in a 5 liter round-bottom flask reactor employing following amounts of materials:

ASM 819.2 grams (96. 8 % purity; 4.9 moles)

Styrene 177.9 grams ( 1.7 moles) t-Butyl Acrylate 150.1 grams ( 1.2 moles)

Methanol 1342 grams t-BPP 116.2 grams (75.6 %; 6.5 mole % based upon total number of moles of monomers)

After the polymerization was initiated, four additional batches of 7.4 grams of t-BPP was added to the reactor at the end of each hour and the polymerization reaction was continued for an additional period of about 18 hours. At the end of this period, 20 grams of sodium methoxide dissolved in 84 grams of methanol was added to the reactor. Of this amount, 4.2 grams of sodium methoxide was needed to neutralize the acetic acid and 15.8 grams (six mole % catalyst level) of sodium methoxide was used for transesterification. In the first hour, 162 grams of methanol/methyl acetate was distilled and 160 grams of fresh methanol and 150 grams THF was added to the reactor. In the next six hours, about 180 grams of methanol/methyl acetate was collected as distillate and the reactor was replaced with 180 grams of fresh methanol. Samples were taken every hour to determine the extent of transesterification reaction by NMR. At the end of six hours, the NMR analysis showed quantitative conversion of acetoxy groups to hydroxy groups at which time the reaction was stopped, and the reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature. The cooled polymer solution was pumped through an Amberlyst 15 ion exchange bed at a rate of 200 mL/minute. The ion exchange bed was then washed using an additional 2800 grams of fresh methanol to remove any adsorbed polymer on the bed. The polymer solution and the washings were then added dropwise into deionized water to precipitate the terpolymer. The polymer was filtered and dried under vacuum at 65°C. The GPC analysis of the polymer showed a weight-average molecular weight of 10,400 and polydispersity of 2. The polymer composition as determined by NMR analysis is as

-17- follows: 71 mole% p-hydroxystyrene; 19 mole percent styrene: and 10 mole percent t-butyl acrylate.

Example 6 Example 1 was repeated in Example 6 except that the reaction was carried out in a 5 liter round-bottom flask reactor employing following amounts of materials:

ASM 811.9 grams (96.8 % purity; 4.8 moles)

Styrene 176.3 grams (1.7 moles) t-Butyl Acrylate 148.8 grams (1.2 moles)

Methanol 1330 grams t-BPP 115.2 grams (75.6 %; 6.5 mole % based upon total number of moles of monomers)

After the polymerization was initiated, four additional batches of 7.4 grams of t-BPP was added to the reactor at the end of each hour and the polymerization reaction was continued for an additional period of about 18 hours. At the end of this period, 20 grams of sodium methoxide dissolved in 84 grams of methanol was added to the reactor. Of this amount, 4.2 grams of sodium methoxide was needed to neutralize the acetic acid and 15.8 grams (six mole % catalyst level) of sodium methoxide was used for transesterification. The transesterification reaction was carried out for a total period of 4 1/2 hours during which time about 900 grams of methanol/methyl acetate was collected as distillate and the reactor was replaced with 900 grams of fresh methanol. Samples were taken every hour to determine the extent of transesterification reaction by NMR. At the end of 4 1/2 hours, the NMR analysis showed quantitative conversion of acetoxy groups to hydroxy groups at which time the reaction was stopped, and the reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature. The cooled polymer solution was pumped through an Amberiyst 15 ion exchange bed at a rate of 200 mL/minute. The ion exchange bed was then washed using an additional 2800 grams of fresh methanol to remove any adsorbed polymer on the bed. The polymer solution and the washings were then added dropwise into deionized

-18- water to precipitate the terpolymer. The polymer was filtered and dried under vacuum at 65°C. The GPC analysis of the polymer showed a weight-average molecular weight of 10,400 and polydispersity of 2. The polymer was also analyzed for trace metals: aluminum 180 parts per billion(ppb); calcium 63 ppb; iron 120 ppb; sodium 270 ppb; zinc 21 ppb. The polymer composition as determined by NMR analysis is as follows: 62 mole percent p-hydroxystyrene; 24 mole percent styrene; and 15 mole percent t-butyl acrylate.

Example 7 Example 1 was repeated in Example 7 except that the reaction was carried out in a 5 liter round-bottom flask reactor employing following amounts of materials:

ASM 700 grams (96.8% purity; 4.2 moles) t-Butyl Acrylate 334.6 grams (98% purity; 2.6 moles)

Methanol 1200 grams t-BPP 72.9 grams (75.6%; 4.7 mole % based upon total number of moles of monomers)

After the polymerization was initiated, four additional batches of 6.7 grams of t-BPP was added to the reactor at the end of each hour and the polymerization reaction was continued for an additional period of about 18 hours. At the end of this period, 16 grams of sodium methoxide dissolved in 64 grams of methanol was added to the reactor. Of this amount, 2.7 grams of sodium methoxide was needed to neutralize the acetic acid and 13.3 grams (six mole % catalyst level) of sodium methoxide was used for transesterification. The transesterification reaction was carried out for a total period of 4 hours by adding initially about 970 grams of methanol to the reaction mixture. Additional quantities of fresh methanol was added to the reaction mixture as methanol/methyl acetate was collected as distillate. Samples were taken every hour to determine the extent of transesterification reaction by NMR. At the end of 4 hours, the NMR analysis showed quantitative conversion of acetoxy groups to hydroxy groups at which time the reaction was stopped, and the reaction mixture was cooled to

^■ 19- ambient temperature. The cooled polymer solution was pumped through an Amberiyst 15 ion exchange bed at a rate of 150 mL/minute. 300 mL of cooled polymer solution was added dropwise into 3000 mL of deionized water to precipitate the polymer. The polymer was filtered and dried under vacuum at 65°C; final dried product 700 grams. The GPC analysis of the polymer showed a weight-average molecular weight of 19,800 and polydispersity of 2.1. The polymer composition as determined by NMR analysis is as follows: 62 mole percent p-hydroxystyrene; and 38 mole percent t-butyl acrylate. A UV-VIS scan showed a molar absorptivity of 82 L cm^"1 mole^"1 at 248 nm. The polymer exhibited a T_g of 138.6°C as measured by DSC.

Example 8 Example 1 was repeated in Example 8 except that the reaction was carried out in a 5 liter round-bottom flask reactor employing following amounts of materials:

After the polymerization was initiated, four additional batches of 6.7 grams of t-BPP was added to the reactor at the end of each hour and the polymerization reaction was continued for an additional period of about 18 hours. At the end of this period, 16 grams of sodium methoxide dissolved in 64 grams of methanol was added to the reactor. Of this amount, 2.7 grams of sodium methoxide was needed to neutralize the acetic acid and 13.3 grams (six mole % catalyst level) of sodium methoxide was used for transesterification. The transesterification reaction was carried out for a total period of 4 1/2 hours by adding initially about 960 grams of methanol to the reaction mixture. Additional quantities of fresh methanol were added to the reaction mixture as methanol/methyl acetate was collected as distillate. Samples were taken every hour

-20- to determine the extent of transesterification reaction by NMR. At the end of 4 1/2 hours, the NMR analysis showed quantitative conversion of acetoxy groups to hydroxy groups at which time the reaction was stopped, and the reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature. The cooled polymer solution was pumped through two Amberiyst 15 ion exchange beds at a rate of 130 mL/minute. 300 mL of cooled polymer solution was added dropwise into 3000 mL of deionized water to precipitate the polymer. The precipitated polymer was filtered and dried under vacuum at 65°C. The GPC analysis of the polymer showed a weight-average molecular weight of 19,000 and polydispersity of 2. The polymer composition as determined by NMR analysis is as follows: 61 mole percent p-hydroxystyrene; and 39 mole percent t-butyl acrylate. A UV-VIS scan showed a molar absorptivity of 84 L cm^"' mole^"1 at 248 nm. The polymer exhibited a T„ of 139.9°C as measured by DSC. Trace metal analysis showed the presence of following metals at the indicated levels: aluminum 69 ppb; calcium 57 ppb; iron 140 ppb; sodium 140 ppb; zinc 24 ppb.

Example 9 Example 1 was repeated in Example 9 except that the reaction was carried out in a 5 liter round-bottom flask reactor employing following amounts of materials:

ASM 700 grams (96.8% purity; 4.2 moles) t-Butyl Acrylate 294 grams (98% purity; 2.25 moles)

Methanol 1150 grams t-BPP 65.1 grams (75.6%; 4.7 mole % based upon total number of moles of monomers)

After the polymerization was initiated, four additional batches of 6.4 grams of t-BPP was added to the reactor at the end of each hour and the polymerization reaction was continued for an additional period of about 18 hours. At the end of this period, 11.6 grams of sodium methoxide dissolved in 46 grams of methanol was added to the reactor. Of this amount, 2.6 grams of sodium methoxide was needed to neutralize the acetic acid and 9 grams (4 mole % catalyst level) of sodium methoxide was used for

-21- transesterification. The transesterification reaction was carried out for a total period of 8 1/2 hours by adding initially about 380 grams of methanol to the reaction mixture. Additional quantities of fresh methanol were added to the reaction mixture as methanol/methyl acetate was collected as distillate. Samples were taken every hour to determine the extent of transesterification reaction by NMR. At the end of 8 1/2 hours, the NMR analysis showed quantitative conversion of acetoxy groups to hydroxy groups at which time the reaction was stopped, and the reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature. The cooled polymer solution was pumped through an Amberiyst 15 ion exchange bed at a rate of 130 mL/minute. The cooled polymer solution was added dropwise into 3000 mL of deionized water to precipitate the polymer. The precipitated polymer was filtered and dried under vacuum at 65°C; yield 630 grams. The GPC analysis of the polymer showed a weight-average molecular weight of 18,000 and polydispersity of 2.3 The polymer composition as determined by NMR analysis is as follows: 66 mole percent p-hydroxystyrene; and 34 mole percent t-butyl acrylate. A UV-VIS scan showed a molar absorptivity of 86 L cm^"1 mole^"1 at 248 nm. The polymer exhibited a T_g of 149.1°C as measured by DSC.

Example 10 Example 1 was repeated with the exception that sodium hydroxide was used as the catalyst. 0.07 grams of sodium hydroxide was used to neutralize the acetic acid present in ASM. 0.1 grams of sodium hydroxide was used as transesterification catalyst, which amounted to a catalyst level of 0.5 mole %. The transesterification reaction was carried out for a period of 4 hours under reflux in methanol while distilling-off methyl acetate/methanol and fresh methanol added to the reaction mixture as needed. At the end of this period, NMR analysis of the product indicated 70 percent of the acetoxy groups to hydroxy groups.

-22- Example 11 Comparative Example This Example demonstrate that large excess of triethylamine is needed to hydrolyze acetoxy groups to hydroxy groups. Example 1 was substantially repeated in Example 1 1 with the exception that triethylamine was used as the catalyst instead of sodium methoxide. 0.18 grams of triethylamine was used to neutralize the acetic acid in ASM and 0.48 grams of triethylamine was used for the transesterification reaction, which amounted to a catalyst level of 1 mole %. The reaction mixture was refluxed for 7 hours while removing continuously methanol/methyl acetate as distillate. The reaction was very slow and the polymer solution did not become clear during this time. Addition of fresh methanol resulted in precipitation of the unhydrolyzed polymer. At this time 27.9 grams of triethylamine (60 mole % catalyst level) was added to the reaction mixture and the reaction mixture was allowed to reflux for overnight (18 hours). Analysis of sample by NMR after this time indicated quantitative conversion of acetoxy groups to hydroxy groups. The reaction mixture was cooled and added dropwise to 3500 mL deionized water to precipitate the polymer. To completely remove triethylamine and the by-product, the filtered polymer was again taken in a 4 L beaker and filled with deionized water and heated to 50°C with stirring for 1 hour. The hot slurry was filtered, washed thoroughly with deionized water, and dried under vacuum at 65°C. The NMR analysis of the dried polymer showed no acetoxy groups.

Example 12 Comparative Example This Example demonstrate that 4-dimethylaminopyridine (4-DMAP) is not effective a catalyst for transesterification. Example 1 was substantially repeated in Example 12 with the exception that 4-DMAP was used as the catalyst instead of sodium methoxide. 0.09 grams (0.15 mole %) of 4-DMAP in three equal portions was charged into the reaction mixture as the transesterification catalyst over a period

-23- of 5 hours and the reaction was continued for 18 hours during which time no appreciable amounts of transesterification took place as evidenced by the insolubility of the polymer m methanol. 0.6 grams ( 1 mole %) of additional 4-DMAP in five portions was added to the reaction mixture over a period of 7 1/2 hours and the reaction mixture was continued to reflux during this period. The reaction was still very slow and the polymer solution did not become clear during this time. Analysis of sample by NMR after this time indicated only 69 percent conversion of acetoxy groups to hydroxy groups.

Although the invention has been illustrated by certain of the preceding examples, it is not to be construed as being limited thereby; but rather, the invention encompasses the generic area as hereinbefore disclosed. Various modifications and embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

-24-

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A process for the preparation of a polymer of I,

an acrylate monomer having the formula II,

R3 r.

^\ / ^R4

II; and one or more ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable monomers selected from the group consisting of styrene, 4-methylstyrene, maleic anhydride, dialkyl maleate, dialkyl fumarate and vinyl chloride, wherein alkyl is having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, comprising the steps of: a) subjecting a monomer of formula HI,

HI; said monomer II, and one or more of said copolymerizable monomers to suitable polymerization conditions in an alcoholic solvent and in the presence of a free radical initiator at suitable temperature for a sufficient period of time to produce a polymer of corresponding composition; b) subjecting said polymer from step a) to transesterification conditions in said alcoholic solvent in the presence of catalytic amounts of a base catalyst at suitable temperature such that the transesterified by-product ester formed is

-25- continuously removed from the reaction mixture to form the polymer (in solution) of I, II, and said copolyme╧Çzable monomer; c) passing said polymer solution in said alcoholic solvent from step b) through an ion-exchange bed to remove said base catalyst; and d) isolating said polymer from step c) either by precipitation from said alcoholic solvent or by removal of said alcoholic solvent by evaporation; wherein: i) R¹ and R² are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen; fluo╧Çne, chlorine or bromine; alkyl or fluoroalkyl group having the formula C_nH F_y where n is an integer from 1 to 4, x and y are integers from 0 to 2n+l, and the sum of x and y ╬╣s 2n+l; and phenyl or tolyl; ii) R³ is selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen; and methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl or tert-butyl; iii) R⁴ is either iso-propyl or tert-butyl; and IV) R⁵ is either methyl or ethyl.

2. The process as set forth in claim 1 wherein said reaction mixture further comp╧Çses an additional co-solvent.

3. The process as set forth in claim 3 wherein said co-solvent is selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrofuran, methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, and 1,4- dioxane

4 The process as set forth in claim 1 wherein R¹ and R^~ are both hydrogen.

-26-

5. The process as set forth in claim 1 wherein R¹ and R^: are both methyl.

6. The process as set forth in claim 1 wherein R¹ is hydrogen and R² is methyl.

7. The process as set forth in claim 1 wherein R³ is hydrogen.

8. The process as set forth in claim 1 wherein R³ is methyl.

9. The process as set forth in claim 1 wherein R⁴ is ter-butyl.

10. The process as set forth in claim 1 wherein R³ is methyl.

11. The process as set forth in claim 1 wherein said initiator is selected from the group consisting of 2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylpentanenitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2- methylpropanenitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2-methylbutanenitrile), 1,1 '- azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile), t-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate, t-butyl peroxypivalate, t-amyl peroxypivalate, diisononanoyl peroxide, decanoyl peroxide, succinic acid peroxide, di(n-propyl) peroxydicarbonate, di(sec-butyl) peroxydicarbonate, di(2-ethylhexyl) peroxydicarbonate, t- butylperoxyneodecanoate, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(2-ethylhexanoylperoxy)hexane, t- amylperoxyneodecanoate, and combinations thereof.

12. The process as set forth in claim 1 wherein said initiator is selected from the group consisting of 2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylpentanenitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2- methylpropanenitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2-methylbutanenitrile), 1,1 '- azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile), t-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate, t-butyl peroxypivalate, t-amyl peroxypivalate, and combinations thereof.

13. The process as set forth in claim 1 wherein said initiator is t-butyl peroxypivalate and is present in the amount of about one mole percent to about 3 mole percent

-27- based upon the total moles of all of said monomers I, II. and said copolymerizable monomers.

14. The process as set forth in claim 1 wherein said alcoholic solvent is an alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

15. The process as set forth in claim 1 wherein said alcoholic solvent is selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, tert-butanol, and combinations thereof.

16. The process as set forth in claim 1 wherein said alcoholic solvent is methanol.

17. The process as set forth in claim 1 wherein said base catalyst will not substantially react with said alkyl acrylate monomer II or with said copolymerizable monomers.

18. The process as set forth in claim 17 wherein said base catalyst is either alkali metal hydroxide or alkali metal alkoxide.

19. The process as set forth in claim 17 wherein said base catalyst is selected from the group consisting of lithium hydroxide, lithium methoxide, lithium ethoxide, lithium isopropoxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, sodium isopropoxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium methoxide, potassium ethoxide, potassium isopropoxide, cesium hydroxide, cesium methoxide, cesium ethoxide, cesium isopropoxide, and combinations thereof.

20. The process as set forth in claim 17 wherein said base catalyst is sodium methoxide and is present in an amount of about 0.1 mole percent to about 2 mole percent based upon the atomic weight of sodium and moles of monomer I present in said polymer.

-28-

21. The process as set forth in claim 1 wherein said base catalyst is added in step b) by dissolving it in said alcoholic solvent.

22. The process as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step d) isolation is accomplished by precipitation of said polymer from said reaction medium.

23. The process as set forth in claim 22 wherein said precipitation of said polymer is accomplished by adding said reaction medium to a non-solvent.

24. The process as set forth in claim 23 wherein said non-solvent is selected from the group consisting of water, hexane, octane, petroleum ether, and combinations thereof.

25. The process as set forth in claim 23 wherein said non-solvent is water.

26. The process as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step b) transesterification reaction is carried out at reflux temperature of said alcoholic solvent.

27. The process as set forth in claim 1 wherein said polymer is a terpolymer of monomer I, monomer II, and styrene.

28. A process for the preparation of a polymer of TV,

OH _IV; an alkyl acrylate monomer having the formula II,

-29- R3

^ o^o ./ R⁴

V ^{0 CH}' V; along with said monomer II, and said copolymerizable monomer to suitable polymerization conditions in an alcoholic solvent and in the presence of a free radical initiator at suitable temperature for a sufficient period of time to produce a polymer of corresponding composition; b) subjecting said polymer from step a) to transesterification conditions in said alcoholic solvent in the presence of catalytic amounts of a base catalyst at reflux temperature of said alcoholic solvent such that the transesterified by-product acetate formed is continuously removed from the reaction mixture to form the polymer of IV, II, and said copolymerizable monomer; c) passing said polymer solution in said alcoholic solvent from step b) through an ion-exchange bed to remove said base catalyst; and d) isolating said polymer from step c) by precipitation from said alcoholic solvent; wherein: i) R³ is either hydrogen or methyl; and ii) R⁴ is either isopropyl or tert-butyl.

-30-

29. The process as set forth in claim 28 wherein R³ is hydrogen.

30. The process as set forth in claim 28 wherein R³ is methyl.

31. The process as set forth in claim 28 wherein R⁴ is tert-butyl.

32. The process as set forth in claim 28 wherein R⁴ is iso-propyl.

33. The process as set forth in claim 28 wherein said initiator is selected from the group consisting of 2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylpentanenitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2- methylpropanenitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2-methylbutanenitrile), 1,1 '- azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile), t-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate, t-butyl peroxypivalate, t-amyl peroxypivalate, and combinations thereof.

34. The process as set forth in claim 28 wherein said alcoholic solvent is an alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, tert-butanol, and combinations thereof.

35. The process as set forth in claim 28 wherein said alcoholic solvent is methanol.

36. The process as set forth in claim 28 wherein said base catalyst will not substantially react with said alkyl acrylate monomer II or with said copolymerizable monomers.

37. The process as set forth in claim 36 wherein said base catalyst is either alkali metal hydroxide or alkali metal alkoxide.

38. The process as set forth in claim 36 wherein said base catalyst is selected from the group consisting of lithium hydroxide, lithium methoxide, lithium ethoxide,

-31- lithium isopropoxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, sodium isopropoxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium methoxide, potassium ethoxide, potassium isopropoxide, cesium hydroxide, cesium methoxide, cesium ethoxide, cesium isopropoxide, and combinations thereof.

39. The process as set forth in claim 36 wherein said base catalyst is sodium methoxide and is present in an amount of about 0.1 mole percent to about 2 mole percent based upon the atomic weight of sodium and moles of monomer TV present in said polymer.

40. The process as set forth in claim 28 wherein said base catalyst is added in step b) by dissolving it in said alcoholic solvent.

41. The process as set forth in claim 28 wherein said precipitation of said polymer is accomplished by adding said reaction medium to a non-solvent.

42. The process as set forth in claim 41 wherein said non-solvent is selected from the group consisting of water, hexane, octane, petroleum ether, and combinations thereof.

43. The process as set forth in claim 41 wherein said non-solvent is water.

44. The process as set forth in claim 1 wherein said polymer is a terpolymer of monomer IV, monomer II, and styrene.

45. A process for the preparation of a polymer of IV,

-32- <

^0H IV; and an alkyl acrylate monomer having the formula II,

^R3^

_/ ^R4

II; comprising the steps of: a) subjecting monomer of formula V,

O

CH,

O V; and said monomer II to suitable polymerization conditions in an alcoholic solvent and in the presence of a free radical initiator at suitable temperature for a sufficient period of time to produce a polymer of corresponding composition; b) subjecting said polymer from step a) to transesterification conditions in said alcoholic solvent in the presence of catalytic amounts of a base catalyst at reflux temperature of said alcoholic solvent such that the transesterified by-product acetate formed is continuously removed from the reaction mixture to form the polymer of IV and II; c) passing said polymer solution in said alcoholic solvent from step b) through an ion-exchange bed to remove said base catalyst; and d) isolating said polymer from step c) by precipitation from said alcoholic solvent; wherein:

-33- i) R³ is either hydrogen or methyl; and ii) R⁴ is either isopropyl or tert-butyl.

46. The process as set forth in claim 45 wherein said initiator is selected from the group consisting of 2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylpentanenitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2- methylpropanenitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2-methylbutanenitrile), 1,1 '- azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile), t-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate, t-butyl peroxypivalate, t-amyl peroxypivalate, and combinations thereof.

47. The process as set forth in claim 45 wherein said alcoholic solvent is an alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol. isopropanol, tert-butanol, and combinations thereof.

48. The process as set forth in claim 45 wherein said base catalyst will not substantially react with said alkyl acrylate monomer II.

49. The process as set forth in claim 45 wherein said base catalyst is either alkali metal hydroxide or alkali metal alkoxide.

50. The process as set forth in claim 45 wherein said base catalyst is selected from the group consisting of lithium hydroxide, lithium methoxide, lithium ethoxide, lithium isopropoxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, sodium isopropoxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium methoxide, potassium ethoxide. potassium isopropoxide, cesium hydroxide, cesium methoxide, cesium ethoxide, cesium isopropoxide, and combinations thereof.

51. The process as set forth in claim 45 wherein said base catalyst is sodium methoxide and is present in an amount of about 0.1 mole percent to about 2 mole percent based upon the atomic weight of sodium and moles of monomer IV present in said polymer.

-34-